INDICATIONS that the poorest parts of Wales can expect to receive European funding beyond the end of the current Objective One programme has been welcomed by a group of Welsh MPs.

INDICATIONS that the poorest parts of Wales can expect to receive European funding beyond the end of the current Objective One programme has been welcomed by a group of Welsh MPs.

Caerphilly MP Wayne David led a five-strong delegation to Brussels this week for talks with the director of structural funds, Jose Palma Andres, on the future of structural funding after enlargement of the EU and the likely impact on Welsh applications for aid.

Mr David said, "The response of the commission to our representations was positive.

"Clearly we have a long way to go in the detailed discussions but the European Commission accepted that the Objective One programme should not end abruptly in 2006."